Windy Days

On the trail by 7:15 a.m.

We've been dealing with some very high winds and their unpleasant consequences here in the northern Chihuahuan Desert.  Fortunately Becca and I were able to get in a long hike before the worst gusts began.  On our way back in this morning we ran into our pal Jimmy.  I'm always happy to see him, but Becca is ecstatic.  While we stood talking Jimmy pointed out the young Desert Cottontail pictured below, a critter who wasn't quite certain what to do about our unexpected presence--stand like a statue or bolt out of there.  I took five or six photos of the rabbit before it took off.  Next time, hopefully, it won't be so reticent about fleeing.  By the way, Becca never saw nor smelled the little creature.

Soon this Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus will be covered in . . .

. . . these (not quite open yet)

I've looked at Parry's Agave . . .

. . . from both sides now

That Parry's Agave flower stalk is about 8 or 9 feet tall

In the high foothills

Flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

The long view

Trail to the lower desert

Ocotillos on the mountain slope

Down through the cut

Hierba del Cenizo (Plume tiquilia)

How green is my valley?  Pretty green considering this is the desert

Soaptree Yucca west of Tortugas Mountain

Soaptree Yucca flowers and buds

Cactus Wren

Follow this trail back into the high foothills

Prickly Pear flower

When you're hot in the desert you'll take shade where you find it

Resting on a rocky trail

A young Desert Cottontail

Lenticular clouds over the Organ Mountains